Russia’s central bank has proposed allowing Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether’s USDT to be traded on regulated Russian exchanges, marking a significant step towards bringing major cryptocurrencies into the country’s organised financial markets.
The Bank of Russia has included the three assets in a draft list for public trading, based on factors such as market capitalisation, average daily trading volume and trading history. The proposal comes after a new law gave the central bank authority to decide which digital currencies can be admitted to organised trading and to set the rules for their transactions.
The regulator said eligible cryptocurrencies must have a sufficiently long trading history on overseas markets. The proposed list currently includes Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT, while other cryptocurrencies have not been included.
The move comes as Russia prepares to put its new cryptocurrency framework into effect. A law signed by President Vladimir Putin on August 4 gives the Bank of Russia a central role in regulating cryptocurrency trading and establishing the infrastructure for transactions. The broader framework is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2026.
Source: cbr.ru
However, retail investors will not have completely open access to the market. Under the draft rules, non-qualified investors would be allowed to purchase up to 300,000 Russian rubles, or roughly $3,600, worth of eligible cryptocurrencies each year through each authorised intermediary. These intermediaries could include brokers, crypto exchange services and asset managers.
Qualified investors would not face the same purchase limit. They would be able to trade eligible cryptocurrencies on exchanges and over-the-counter markets without an annual purchase cap.
The Bank of Russia also plans to make risk testing compulsory. All investors, regardless of their qualification, would have to pass a test and familiarise themselves with the risks involved before carrying out cryptocurrency transactions. The central bank said the restrictions are intended to protect less-experienced investors from sharp and unpredictable movements in crypto prices.
The proposal is still open for public comments until August 24. If adopted, it would give Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT a more clearly defined place within Russia’s regulated financial system, while keeping retail participation under tighter controls.
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